The Dutchman, who led the Giro d’Italia this May, is confident in the support the team will give him in the upcoming grand tours. His contract will take him through 2018.

Not surprisingly, there were smiles all around in the LottoNL-Jumbo camp.

"Steven is a fine example of the talent in our team," Sports Director Nico Verhoeven said. "Steven showed what he is capable of in the last Giro with his amazing performance. We are proud that he has confidence in our plan with the support for the classification riders in the team. "Steven is altitude training in Andorra to prepare for the Olympics and the Vuelta. After that, we make plans for the next season."

The rider himself also expressed his pleasure with the extension that will allow him to further develop as a rider and potential winner of a grand tour.

"I am very pleased with the prospect of racing the next two years at Team LottoNL-Jumbo," added Kruijswijk. "The team has an ambitious plan towards 2018 with the sprint train and the support for the classification riders in the team. I am confident that we can realise these ambitions together. This is the sports coaching, technical and support staff of the team I would like to work with. The last Giro d'Italia confirmed my thoughts and gave me great confidence for the future."